THE FIRST day of Simbang Gabi, or the nine-day dawn masses leading up to Christmas, concluded without any incident, the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) said.
In a situation report released on Dec. 16, the DCPO reported no significant incidents related to terrorism, insurgency, maritime security, or criminality during the first day of the festive season.
DCPO spokesperson Captain Hazel Tuazon said major events, including the “Banda Dasig, Mugna, ug Parada sa Pasko Fiesta,” also finished without any security issues.
The DCPO continues to monitor the situation and maintain heightened security measures throughout the Christmas season to ensure the safety of residents and visitors.
Over 1,000 personnel were deployed on Dec. 16 to ensure the safety of churchgoers attending Simbang Gabi.
“We remind those attending Simbang Gabi to cooperate with our security personnel,” Tuazon said. “We will have a one-entrance, one-exit policy at churches, so there may be minor delays upon entering.”
“Security teams will be in place two hours before each Mass. Please obey the guidelines to ensure a smooth and safe experience for all,” she added.
Tuazon noted that last year some churchgoers expressed frustration over the tight screening measures. While she apologized for the inconvenience, she said all procedures were necessary “to ensure everyone’s safety.”
Simbang Gabi is a devotional nine-day series of masses attended by Filipino Catholics in anticipation of Christmas.
Photo by Bing Gonzales
